Kogi Foils Major Arms Smuggling Plot, Prevents Planned Criminal Attack

The Kogi State Government has announced the interception of a large cache of arms and ammunition allegedly destined for criminal elements seeking to destabilise the state, in what officials described as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat insecurity.

According to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the operation was carried out through a coordinated effort involving local security operatives under the Kogi State security architecture, the Hybrid Forces operating under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army.

The government disclosed that security agencies acted on credible intelligence regarding the movement of arms and ammunition intended for criminal groups operating within and around Kogi State. Intelligence reports identified a Volkswagen Golf II vehicle allegedly being used to transport the weapons.

Acting on the intelligence, security agencies coordinated operations across state boundaries and worked closely with the Sokoto State Government and security agencies in the state to monitor the suspects. Following more than two weeks of covert surveillance, three suspects were arrested in Sokoto State, while investigations continue to track down other members of the arms trafficking syndicate.

The operation subsequently led to the interception of the arms consignment and the impoundment of the Golf II vehicle in Kabba, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State. Recovered items included two AK-47 rifles, several AK-47 magazines, 67 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, two pistols, 12 rounds of pistol ammunition, and military uniforms suspected to have been intended for use by criminal elements.

The government said intelligence reports suggest the weapons were being procured to replenish the stockpile of criminal groups that have suffered significant losses following recent security operations. These setbacks reportedly intensified after the neutralisation of notorious bandit leader Kachalla Battijo on June 10, 2026, following his failed attempt to kidnap students of Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu.

According to the statement, the state government anticipated possible retaliatory attacks by fleeing criminal elements and consequently intensified intelligence gathering, strengthened surveillance across strategic locations, and expanded collaboration with security agencies nationwide. These proactive measures, it noted, enabled security operatives to detect and disrupt plans by criminal groups before they could be executed.

The government further revealed that intelligence indicates that remnants of criminal gangs operating from forest hideouts within the state are currently facing severe shortages of arms and ammunition due to sustained security pressure. Desperate efforts by the groups to replenish their weapons stockpiles were reportedly thwarted through the recent operation.

Our Kogi State Correspondent, reports Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo's administration described the successful interception as evidence of the effectiveness of its intelligence-driven security strategy and reaffirmed its commitment to staying ahead of criminal networks through surveillance, technological support, community engagement, and inter-agency cooperation.

The Kogi State Government commended the local security forces, the Hybrid Forces under ONSA, the DSS, and officers and men of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army for their professionalism and coordination. It also expressed appreciation to the Sokoto State Government, security agencies in Sokoto State, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their support in strengthening security operations across the country.

The government assured residents that there is no cause for alarm, stressing that security agencies have intensified surveillance and operational activities across the state. It urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, emphasizing that collective efforts remain crucial in preserving peace, security, and prosperity in Kogi State.

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